14 For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ;
14 For we are not overextending ourselves
Paul’s team did not stretch themselves beyond the proper measurement of their ministry.
(as though our authority did not extend to you [Corinthians]),
The team did not “overextend” themselves by their ministry in Corinth. That city was within the sphere of God’s will (2 Co 10:13). Paul founded the Corinthian church (1 Co 3:6, 10; 4:15). It was not the team but the false apostles who were interlopers.
for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ;
Paul’s team was the first to bring the gospel to Corinth. They established the church there during Paul’s second missionary journey (Ac 18:1-16). Therefore, the apostle did not violate his commission by coming to Corinth, did he? The church was a key witness for his credibility.
PRINCIPLE:
The ultimate estimate of our ministry is our calling.
APPLICATION:
There is no limit to what fallen man can think of himself. He can do this without recourse if he compares himself by the low standard of measuring himself against other ministers. If he were to compare himself to someone superior to himself, he would fall short. His means of comparison are subjective, based on human standards of greatness, such as charisma and personality. Our bar of measurement should be what God thinks of us, not our colleagues. This is the objective criterion.
